CONFIDENCE in the Australian economy is waning among workers, according to an annual survey by the nation's largest blue collar union.
The third annual Australian Workers' Union (AWU) Auspoll Job Satisfaction Index shows the number of workers who think the Australian economy will deteriorate over the coming year has increased by 10 per cent on last year.
Twenty-nine per cent of workers were taking the dim view of the economy in 2011, compared to 19 per cent in 2010.
Sixty-four per cent of workers reported they were either concerned or very concerned about the economy, compared with 56 per cent in 2010.
AWU national secretary Paul Howes said the mood came at the same time workers had begun reporting increased workplace pressures.
"It seems that despite improvements in the economy last year the benefits of the economic improvement had not necessarily flowed on to workers," he said.
The survey suggests that as time passes, workers are feeling the effects of the global financial crisis at a more personal level.
In 2011, 28 per cent said their workload had increased as a result of reduced staff numbers. This compared to 25 per cent in 2010 and 22 per cent in 2009.
The findings will inform discussion at the union's national conference starting on the Gold Coast on Monday.
The AWU will also be celebrating its 125th anniversary, making it the nation's oldest union.
The annual tracking study showed workers continued to see unions as the most likely group to protect their interests in the current economic climate.
Auspoll surveyed 1011 people, segmented and weighted to be nationally representative of Australia's working population, from December 15-20, 2010.
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